Scientist II

Job Title

Scientist II (Open)

JR

Lincoln, NE

$26.834 per hour

Do you have a passion for health and safety? Are you a team player? If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, we have the job for you! The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Feed, Fertilizer and Agricultural Lime (FFAL) Laboratory tests raw commodities and manufactured products to verify product label guarantees and protect animal and human health. This Scientist II position performs sample preparation, wet chemistry, lab upkeep, and sample custodian duties.

Test results support the Nebraska Commercial Feed Program, which ensures feed is wholesome and honestly prepared to protect public and animal health and to prevent consumer fraud. Lab work is performed under a quality management system with specific adherence to ISO 17025 to ensure legal defensibility of test results.

• Weigh, record, and analyze feed samples for protein and fertilizer samples for nitrogen using the Nitrogen Combustion Analyzer
• Weigh, record, and analyze feed and fertilizer samples for nutrients using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy
• Perform wet chemistry assays for fertilizer samples according to standard laboratory methods (e.g., Kjeltec or acid digestion)
• Perform salt determination on feed samples by potentiometer method
• Operate, maintain, verify, and calibrate lab instruments for testing
• Research, develop, and implement new test methods as needed
• Perform quality control and method validation
• Act as Sample Custodian to maintain chain of custody of regulatory samples
• Sample preparation – sorting, splitting, and grinding samples for use in testing – when needed, perform troubleshooting on instruments, techniques, etc.
• Write standard operating procedures for instrument operations, analytical methods, and reagent preparations
• Submit requests to order lab supplies and follow in‑house chemical inventory procedures
• Maintain accurate records of all work performed and backup electronic data, as needed, for traceability
• As lead worker, train new colleagues to perform lab test methods or assigned tasks
• Adhere to record‑keeping, training, and other requirements of the NDA Laboratory Quality Management System
• Provide backup assistance to the FFAL Drugs and Residue team to cover workload needs
• Follow safety and emergency action procedures; suggest improvements to existing practices
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% state‑matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer‑paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer‑paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment

Minimum Qualifications
:
Bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry, biology or related field OR post‑high‑school coursework/training in chemistry, biology or related field AND three years of experience in a scientific laboratory.

Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Knowledge of the principles of biology, microbiology, chemistry and their laboratory applications; the principles, concepts, and techniques of applied laboratory testing; the hazards and safety precautions of laboratory testing activities.

Ability to perform microbiological and chemical examinations; communicate orally and in writing to present technical and scientific findings, conclusions, and recommendations; interact with other laboratory staff to exchange information; understand and apply oral and written supervisory instructions, the protocol for equipment operation and test procedure, and safety rules; calculate solutions to arithmetical problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, decimals, and fractions;

observe and identify characteristics or patterns in substances and materials examined; set personal work priorities and manage own work time.

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.